Nice to Meet You – Matthias Held

Dear readers, this month we introduce you to Matthias Held from the Euresearch Regional Office Fribourg & Valais. Discover what challenges he faces in his daily work, what inspires him and what he enjoys most about his job at Euresearch.

What was your career path prior to your current position?

I did my PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Germany before moving to Neuchâtel for a postdoc. My research focused on unravelling the complex interactions between plants and insects. At the University of Neuchâtel, my role expanded over time to encompass project coordination, including both EU projects and Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) National Centres of Competence in Research. Eventually, I transitioned to the Euresearch Regional Office in Fribourg, which is affiliated with the University of Fribourg Research Promotion Service, where I have been for over a decade now.

What are the daily challenges you face in your work at Euresearch?

A significant aspect of my daily work involves supporting researchers as they navigate the landscape of Swiss and European research opportunities. Additionally, I provide guidance to our researchers here at the University of Fribourg on applications to the SNSF, offer advice on fostering successful scientific careers and on Open Science topics. Challenges I face include the constantly changing framework conditions, both in terms of Switzerland's association to Horizon Europe and the conditions of participation for Swiss-based researchers.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

There is much to enjoy about working at the Euresearch Office. I get immense satisfaction from the collaborative environment we have cultivated as a team. Particularly during high-pressure periods, such as submission deadlines for the Transitional Measures from the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, our teamwork shines. The Euresearch Network is also indispensable here, providing quick, uncomplicated, and friendly help if we have questions or problems. Our retreats and networking events also provide fantastic opportunities for sharing knowledge and connecting with others.

However, the most rewarding aspect of my job is the interaction with researchers, especially the next generation of scientists. Their enthusiasm and innovative ideas continually inspire me!

What brings you the most inspiration during your free time?

When I am not working, you can find me in my somewhat overgrown but flourishing garden. My colleagues, who have to take the surplus pumpkins and zucchinis off my hands, can confirm this. I also spend a lot of time in the great outdoors, for example canoeing on one of the many Swiss lakes or camping in the wildest and remotest corners of Europe or southern Africa. These experiences recharge my batteries and provide fresh perspectives that I bring back with me to my work at Euresearch.

What is special about the Euresearch Regional Office Fribourg?

Given that 4 out of 5 faculties at the University of Fribourg are based in the social sciences and humanities, we see a lot of applications from these fields. The relatively small size of the university also allows us to get to know many of our researchers personally, facilitating pleasant, uncomplicated exchanges. Another special aspect is that our university is bilingual (French and German). In addition to university researchers, we also support Agroscope facilities across western Switzerland and companies in the cantons of Fribourg and Valais.

If you drop by our offices, we would be delighted to give you a tour! I should also mention that we are located right next to the famous Villars Chocolates café and boutique.

Interviewer: Maya Meier, Euresearch Communication
Illustrator: Alexandra Rosakis

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